In line with federal directives to strengthen sub-national public health systems, the Imo State Government in March 2020 constituted a nine-member State-Level Review Committee to assess Nigeria’s National Multi-Hazard Public Health Emergency Preparedness Framework.
The exercise followed guidance from the Federal Ministry of Health calling on states to evaluate the framework’s implementation status, relevance, and operational readiness amid evolving public health risks.
The committee, constituted by the Imo State Ministry of Health, was chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, underscoring the strategic importance of aligning state preparedness structures with national objectives and international health security standards. The review formed part of Nigeria’s broader effort to enhance state-level capacity to manage infectious disease outbreaks, environmental hazards, and complex public health emergencies.
Membership of the committee reflected a cross-section of policy, academic, clinical, and professional expertise. Members included Hon. Dr. Damaris Osunkwo, State Commissioner for Health (Chair); Hon. Dr. Ojiaku Chibuike Stanley OD, MNOA, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Health; Uchechukwu Promise Ahanonu, Programmes Coordinator, Imo State Ministry of Health; Dr. Kingsley Oforgbu, Assistant Coordinator of Programmes, Imo State Ministry of Health; Dr. C. Dike, Chairman, LGA COVID-19 Taskforce; Prof. Hillary Obi, Head of Department, Imo State University Teaching Hospital; Prof. Paschal Nnadozie, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University; Mrs. Anyanwu Lilian, representing the National Union of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (Imo State Chapter); and Chief Boniface Agwunobi, Head of Nursing Services, Imo State University Teaching Hospital.
The committee was mandated to conduct a structured, evidence-based review of the national preparedness framework, with particular attention to readiness at state and local government levels. Areas of assessment included governance arrangements, disease surveillance systems, emergency coordination structures, workforce preparedness, logistics and supply planning, and the continuity of essential health services during emergencies.
Central to the review was an examination of how federal preparedness policies translated into operational systems within Imo State. The committee assessed the clarity of institutional roles during emergencies, the effectiveness of command-and-control mechanisms, and the integration of local government response structures into state and national coordination frameworks. Early warning systems, reporting channels, and escalation protocols received focused attention due to their critical role in timely detection and response.
From a health systems perspective, the review covered hospital surge capacity, referral pathways, infection prevention and control protocols, and the readiness of primary healthcare facilities to serve as first-line response units. Contributions from academic and clinical leaders highlighted workforce competency gaps and emphasized the need for standardized operating procedures across health facilities.
Intersectoral collaboration featured prominently in the assessment. The committee reviewed coordination between the health sector and allied institutions, including environmental services, emergency management agencies, security services, and community leadership structures. Strengthening these linkages was identified as essential for managing multi-hazard events that extend beyond the health sector.
The review also examined data governance and evidence-based decision-making, assessing the robustness of epidemiological data systems, reporting accuracy, and feedback mechanisms supporting emergency response. The committee emphasized integrating preparedness indicators and performance monitoring into routine public health operations rather than activating them only during crises.
Community-level preparedness and equity considerations were incorporated into the assessment. The committee stressed the importance of inclusive risk communication, public trust, and the deliberate inclusion of vulnerable populations in preparedness planning. Recommendations highlighted culturally appropriate engagement strategies and safeguards for elderly populations, individuals with chronic conditions, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.
Drawing on its findings, the committee developed practical recommendations to strengthen sub-national preparedness. These included institutionalizing routine simulation exercises, improving funding predictability for preparedness activities, strengthening workforce training pipelines, and formalizing after-action reviews to promote continuous learning.
The constitution of the State-Level Review Committee underscored Imo State’s commitment to proactive public health governance. By prioritizing structured policy review, technical rigor, and cross-sector collaboration, the State aligned its preparedness efforts with federal objectives and international best practices, reinforcing the principle that resilient public health systems are built through deliberate preparation, coordinated expertise, and sustained institutional refinement.
